Showing papers by "University of Auckland published in 2018"
Clotilde Théry1, Kenneth W. Witwer2, Elena Aikawa3, María José Alcaraz4 +414 more•Institutions (209)
TL;DR: The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities, and a checklist is provided with summaries of key points.
Abstract: The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of scientific publications describing physiological and pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released, membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many other names. However, specific issues arise when working with these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (“MISEV”) guidelines for the field in 2014. We now update these “MISEV2014” guidelines based on evolution of the collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific information beyond mere description of function in a crude, potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally, given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities. Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points.
5,988 citations
TL;DR: The software package Tracer is presented, for visualizing and analyzing the MCMC trace files generated through Bayesian phylogenetic inference, which provides kernel density estimation, multivariate visualization, demographic trajectory reconstruction, conditional posterior distribution summary, and more.
Abstract: Bayesian inference of phylogeny using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) plays a central role in understanding evolutionary history from molecular sequence data. Visualizing and analyzing the MCMC-generated samples from the posterior distribution is a key step in any non-trivial Bayesian inference. We present the software package Tracer (version 1.7) for visualizing and analyzing the MCMC trace files generated through Bayesian phylogenetic inference. Tracer provides kernel density estimation, multivariate visualization, demographic trajectory reconstruction, conditional posterior distribution summary, and more. Tracer is open-source and available at http://beast.community/tracer.
5,492 citations
Gregory A. Roth1, Gregory A. Roth2, Degu Abate3, Kalkidan Hassen Abate4 +1025 more•Institutions (333)
TL;DR: Non-communicable diseases comprised the greatest fraction of deaths, contributing to 73·4% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 72·5–74·1) of total deaths in 2017, while communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional causes accounted for 18·6% (17·9–19·6), and injuries 8·0% (7·7–8·2).
5,211 citations
Jeffrey D. Stanaway1, Ashkan Afshin1, Emmanuela Gakidou1, Stephen S Lim1 +1050 more•Institutions (346)
TL;DR: This study estimated levels and trends in exposure, attributable deaths, and attributable disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) by age group, sex, year, and location for 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or groups of risks from 1990 to 2017 and explored the relationship between development and risk exposure.
2,910 citations
TL;DR: The BEAST software package unifies molecular phylogenetic reconstruction with complex discrete and continuous trait evolution, divergence-time dating, and coalescent demographic models in an efficient statistical inference engine using Markov chain Monte Carlo integration.
Abstract: The Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis by Sampling Trees (BEAST) software package has become a primary tool for Bayesian phylogenetic and phylodynamic inference from genetic sequence data. BEAST unifies molecular phylogenetic reconstruction with complex discrete and continuous trait evolution, divergence-time dating, and coalescent demographic models in an efficient statistical inference engine using Markov chain Monte Carlo integration. A convenient, cross-platform, graphical user interface allows the flexible construction of complex evolutionary analyses.
2,184 citations
TL;DR: What is known about the pathophysiology of GDM, and where there are gaps in the literature that warrant further exploration are discussed, are discussed.
Abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious pregnancy complication, in which women without previously diagnosed diabetes develop chronic hyperglycemia during gestation. In most cases, this hyperglycemia is the result of impaired glucose tolerance due to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction on a background of chronic insulin resistance. Risk factors for GDM include overweight and obesity, advanced maternal age, and a family history or any form of diabetes. Consequences of GDM include increased risk of maternal cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and macrosomia and birth complications in the infant. There is also a longer-term risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in the child. GDM affects approximately 16.5% of pregnancies worldwide, and this number is set to increase with the escalating obesity epidemic. While several management strategies exist—including insulin and lifestyle interventions—there is not yet a cure or an efficacious prevention strategy. One reason for this is that the molecular mechanisms underlying GDM are poorly defined. This review discusses what is known about the pathophysiology of GDM, and where there are gaps in the literature that warrant further exploration.
736 citations
University of Cambridge1, Australian National University2, Norwegian Institute of Public Health3, Utrecht University4, University of Tromsø5, The George Institute for Global Health6, Johns Hopkins University7, University of Oxford8, National Institutes of Health9, University of Copenhagen10, Copenhagen University Hospital11, Fiona Stanley Hospital12, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research13, University of Western Australia14, University of London15, Lund University16, University of Pittsburgh17, French Institute of Health and Medical Research18, University College London19, University of Ulm20, Technische Universität München21, University of Padua22, University of Southampton23, German Cancer Research Center24, Erasmus University Medical Center25, Umeå University26, Cardiff University27, Greifswald University Hospital28, Aarhus University29, Portland State University30, University of New South Wales31, Harvard University32, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens33, University of Hawaii34, Columbia University35, University of Iowa36, Duke University37, Yamagata University38, Tuskegee University39, University of Oulu40, University of Helsinki41, Medical University of South Carolina42, University of Washington43, Kaiser Permanente44, University of Groningen45, University of Granada46, Yale University47, Prevention Institute48, University of Edinburgh49, Uppsala University50, Basque Government51, Kyushu University52, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital53, Harokopio University54, University of California, San Diego55, VU University Medical Center56, Aalborg University57, University of Eastern Finland58, Laval University59, University of Vermont60, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center61, Wake Forest University62, Kanazawa Medical University63, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute64, Heidelberg University65, Istituto Superiore di Sanità66, Pasteur Institute67, City College of New York68, Howard University69, University of Glasgow70, International Agency for Research on Cancer71, University of Bristol72, University of Auckland73
TL;DR: Current drinkers of alcohol in high-income countries, the threshold for lowest risk of all-cause mortality was about 100 g/week, and data support limits for alcohol consumption that are lower than those recommended in most current guidelines.
711 citations
University of Southampton1, University of Nottingham2, Newcastle University3, University of London4, University College London5, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust6, University of Melbourne7, University of the West Indies8, University of Auckland9, Agency for Science, Technology and Research10
TL;DR: It is proposed that the evidence for periconceptional effects on lifetime health is now so compelling that it calls for new guidance on parental preparation for pregnancy, beginning before conception, to protect the health of offspring.
651 citations
TL;DR: The Python package tsfresh (Time Series FeatuRe Extraction on basis of Scalable Hypothesis tests) accelerates this process by combining 63 time series characterization methods, which by default compute a total of 794 time series features, with feature selection on basis automatically configured hypothesis tests.
626 citations
01 Feb 2018
TL;DR: This paper surveys the security of the main IoT frameworks, and shows that the same standards used for securing communications, whereas different methodologies followed for providing other security properties are shown.
Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) is heavily affecting our daily lives in many domains, ranging from tiny wearable devices to large industrial systems. Consequently, a wide variety of IoT applications have been developed and deployed using different IoT frameworks. An IoT framework is a set of guiding rules, protocols, and standards which simplify the implementation of IoT applications. The success of these applications mainly depends on the ecosystem characteristics of the IoT framework, with the emphasis on the security mechanisms employed in it, where issues related to security and privacy are pivotal. In this paper, we survey the security of the main IoT frameworks, a total of 8 frameworks are considered. For each framework, we clarify the proposed architecture, the essentials of developing third-party smart apps, the compatible hardware, and the security features. Comparing security architectures shows that the same standards used for securing communications, whereas different methodologies followed for providing other security properties.
616 citations
TL;DR: Graphene-based materials and their composites possess promising applications in wide range of fields such as, electronics, biomedical aids, membranes, flexible wearable sensors and actuators as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Recent years have perceived many innovations in research and advancement of graphene, the thinnest two-dimensional atomic material. Graphene-based materials and their composites possess promising applications in wide range of fields such as, electronics, biomedical aids, membranes, flexible wearable sensors and actuators. The latest studies and progression in this subject area often produce inconsistent or inconclusive results. This review article assesses and summarises published data so as to provide a critical and comprehensive overview of state of the art. Firstly, the distinct structural nature of the graphene materials available is elucidated, as well as different production techniques available thus far. The assessment then discusses the various composites focusing different sub-functional regimes such as mechanical and collective functional applications such as energy, electronics biomedical, membranes and sensors. The utilisation of graphene and its derivatives in the manufacture of nanocomposites with different polymer matrices has been reconnoitred. Finally, a conclusion and perspective are given to discussing the remaining challenges for graphene nanocomposites in functional science and engineering.
TL;DR: This study examines smart manufacturing systems for Industry 4.0 using a conceptual framework and demonstrative scenarios that pertain to smart design, smart machining, smart control, smart monitoring, and smart scheduling.
Abstract: Information and communication technology is undergoing rapid development, and many disruptive technologies, such as cloud computing, Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence, have emerged. These technologies are permeating the manufacturing industry and enable the fusion of physical and virtual worlds through cyber-physical systems (CPS), which mark the advent of the fourth stage of industrial production (i.e., Industry 4.0). The widespread application of CPS in manufacturing environments renders manufacturing systems increasingly smart. To advance research on the implementation of Industry 4.0, this study examines smart manufacturing systems for Industry 4.0. First, a conceptual framework of smart manufacturing systems for Industry 4.0 is presented. Second, demonstrative scenarios that pertain to smart design, smart machining, smart control, smart monitoring, and smart scheduling, are presented. Key technologies and their possible applications to Industry 4.0 smart manufacturing systems are reviewed based on these demonstrative scenarios. Finally, challenges and future perspectives are identified and discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the status of construction and demolition waste generation around the world and subsequently provide a critical review of the recent studies conducted to improve the properties of recycled aggregate concrete through different supplementary materials.
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases1, Salk Institute for Biological Studies2, Paracelsus Private Medical University of Salzburg3, University of Pennsylvania4, University of Auckland5, King's College London6, Charité7, University of Gothenburg8, University of Zurich9, National Institutes of Health10, Princeton University11, Columbia University12, French Institute of Health and Medical Research13, University of Lausanne14, Fundación Instituto Leloir15, University of Wisconsin-Madison16, University of Amsterdam17, Karolinska Institutet18
TL;DR: It is argued that there is currently no reason to abandon the idea that adult-generated neurons make important functional contributions to neural plasticity and cognition across the human lifespan.
Institut national de la recherche scientifique1, University of Sussex2, Swinburne University of Technology3, University of Auckland4, Georgia Institute of Technology5, Centre national de la recherche scientifique6, University of Brescia7, National Physical Laboratory8, Purdue University9, Tsinghua University10, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China11
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of optical frequency combs with a large spectrum is presented, where the frequency and the phase do not vary and are completely determined by the source physical parameters.
TL;DR: The third UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) on Sept 27, 2018, will review national and global progress towards the prevention and control of NCDs, and provide an opportunity to renew, reinforce, and enhance commitments to reduce their burden.
Haramaya University1, Université de Moncton2, Université de Montréal3, National Heart Foundation of Australia4, University of Ibadan5, University of La Frontera6, University of Cuenca7, University of Waterloo8, University of the Republic9, Ghent University10, National Taiwan University11, University of Ottawa12, Karolinska Institutet13, Technische Universität München14, University of Cape Town15, University of the Witwatersrand16, Swansea University17, Lithuanian Sports University18, Emory University19, University of Los Andes20, Central University of Venezuela21, Hong Kong Baptist University22, Qatar Airways23, University of Tartu24, University of Regina25, Mahidol University26, The Chinese University of Hong Kong27, Pennington Biomedical Research Center28, University of Queensland29, Seoul National University30, Queen's University31, Linköping University32, University of Medicine and Health Sciences33, University of Guadalajara34, Shanghai University of Sport35, National University of Science and Technology36, University of Primorska37, University of Porto38, University of Ghana39, University of Strathclyde40, University of Girona41, Carlos III Health Institute42, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina43, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven44, University of South Australia45, University of Southern Denmark46, University of Auckland47, Bath Spa University48, University of Ljubljana49, Tribhuvan University50, Utrecht University51, J. F. Oberlin University52, University of Botswana53, Stamford University Bangladesh54, National Chung Hsing University55, University of Warsaw56
TL;DR: The present study provides rich new evidence showing that the situation regarding the physical activity of children and youth is a concern worldwide and strategic public investments to implement effective interventions to increase physical activity opportunities are needed.
Abstract: Background: Accumulating sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity is recognized as a key determinant of physical, physiological, developmental, mental, cognitive, and social health among children and youth (aged 5–17 y). The Global Matrix 3.0ofReportCardgradesonphysicalactivitywasdevelopedtoachieveabetterunderstandingoftheglobalvariationinchildand youth physical activity and associated supports. Methods: Work groups from 49 countries followed harmonized procedures to develop their Report Cards by grading 10 common indicators using the best available data. The participating countries were divided into 3 categories using the United Nations’ human development index (HDI) classification (low or medium, high, and very high HDI). Results: A total of 490 grades, including 369 letter grades and 121 incomplete grades, were assigned by the 49 work groups. Overall, an average grade of “C−,”“D+,” and “C−” was obtained for the low and medium HDI countries, high HDI countries, and very high HDI countries, respectively. Conclusions: The present study provides rich new evidence showing that the situation regarding the physical activity of children and youth is a concern worldwide. Strategic public investments to implement effective interventions to increase physical activity opportunities are needed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the discriminating variables and the algorithms used for heavy-flavour jet identification during the first years of operation of the CMS experiment in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, are presented.
Abstract: Many measurements and searches for physics beyond the standard model at the LHC rely on the efficient identification of heavy-flavour jets, i.e. jets originating from bottom or charm quarks. In this paper, the discriminating variables and the algorithms used for heavy-flavour jet identification during the first years of operation of the CMS experiment in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, are presented. Heavy-flavour jet identification algorithms have been improved compared to those used previously at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. For jets with transverse momenta in the range expected in simulated events, these new developments result in an efficiency of 68% for the correct identification of a b jet for a probability of 1% of misidentifying a light-flavour jet. The improvement in relative efficiency at this misidentification probability is about 15%, compared to previous CMS algorithms. In addition, for the first time algorithms have been developed to identify jets containing two b hadrons in Lorentz-boosted event topologies, as well as to tag c jets. The large data sample recorded in 2016 at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV has also allowed the development of new methods to measure the efficiency and misidentification probability of heavy-flavour jet identification algorithms. The b jet identification efficiency is measured with a precision of a few per cent at moderate jet transverse momenta (between 30 and 300 GeV) and about 5% at the highest jet transverse momenta (between 500 and 1000 GeV).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology1, Harvard University2, University of Calabria3, Khalifa University4, Colorado School of Mines5, New Mexico State University6, University of Oklahoma7, United States Environmental Protection Agency8, University of Arizona9, University of Auckland10, National University of Singapore11
TL;DR: Challenges still facing membrane-based potable reuse applications, including chemical and biological contaminant removal, membrane fouling, and public perception, are highlighted as areas in need of further research and development.
TL;DR: The quality of the evidence base is weak, further research is required to provide more robust data on the effectiveness of interventions, and there is an urgent need to further develop theoretical understandings of how successful interventions mediate social isolation and loneliness.
Abstract: Loneliness and social isolation are major problems for older adults. Interventions and activities aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness are widely advocated as a solution to this growing problem. The aim of this study was to conduct an integrative review to identify the range and scope of interventions that target social isolation and loneliness among older people, to gain insight into why interventions are successful and to determine the effectiveness of those interventions. Six electronic databases were searched from 2003 until January 2016 for literature relating to interventions with a primary or secondary outcome of reducing or preventing social isolation and/or loneliness among older people. Data evaluation followed Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre guidelines and data analysis was conducted using a descriptive thematic method for synthesising data. The review identified 38 studies. A range of interventions were described which relied on differing mechanisms for reducing social isolation and loneliness. The majority of interventions reported some success in reducing social isolation and loneliness, but the quality of evidence was generally weak. Factors which were associated with the most effective interventions included adaptability, a community development approach, and productive engagement. A wide range of interventions have been developed to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people. However, the quality of the evidence base is weak and further research is required to provide more robust data on the effectiveness of interventions. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to further develop theoretical understandings of how successful interventions mediate social isolation and loneliness.
TL;DR: WEGO 2.0 updates have targeted four aspects, aiming to provide a more efficient and up-to-date approach for comparative genomic analyses, and provides an additional output graph along with the traditional WEGO histogram, displaying the sorted P-values of GO terms and indicating their significant differences.
Abstract: WEGO (Web Gene Ontology Annotation Plot), created in 2006, is a simple but useful tool for visualizing, comparing and plotting GO (Gene Ontology) annotation results. Owing largely to the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing and the increasing acceptance of GO, WEGO has benefitted from outstanding performance regarding the number of users and citations in recent years, which motivated us to update to version 2.0. WEGO uses the GO annotation results as input. Based on GO's standardized DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) structured vocabulary system, the number of genes corresponding to each GO ID is calculated and shown in a graphical format. WEGO 2.0 updates have targeted four aspects, aiming to provide a more efficient and up-to-date approach for comparative genomic analyses. First, the number of input files, previously limited to three, is now unlimited, allowing WEGO to analyze multiple datasets. Also added in this version are the reference datasets of nine model species that can be adopted as baselines in genomic comparative analyses. Furthermore, in the analyzing processes each Chi-square test is carried out for multiple datasets instead of every two samples. At last, WEGO 2.0 provides an additional output graph along with the traditional WEGO histogram, displaying the sorted P-values of GO terms and indicating their significant differences. At the same time, WEGO 2.0 features an entirely new user interface. WEGO is available for free at http://wego.genomics.org.cn.
TL;DR: In this paper, a threefold categorization of the intensifying relationship between geography and the digital, documenting geographies produced through, produced by, and of the digital is presented.
Abstract: Geography is in the midst of a digital turn. This turn is reflected in both geographic scholarship and praxis across sub-disciplines. We advance a threefold categorization of the intensifying relationship between geography and the digital, documenting geographies produced through, produced by, and of the digital. Instead of promoting a single theoretical framework for making sense of the digital or proclaiming the advent of a separate field of ‘digital geography’, we conclude by suggesting conceptual, methodological and empirical questions and possible paths forward for the ‘digital turn’ across geography’s many sub-disciplines.
University of Vienna1, Stellenbosch University2, University College London3, Zoological Society of London4, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources5, Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)6, Leibniz Association7, Free University of Berlin8, University of Auckland9, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic10, Charles University in Prague11, Taizhou University12, University of Konstanz13, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology14, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens15, University of Fribourg16, University of Oldenburg17, Scion18, University of Sassari19, University of Porto20, Universidade Nova de Lisboa21, Charles Darwin Foundation22, Durham University23, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology24, University of Concepción25, University of Hong Kong26, CABI27, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg28, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ29, United States Forest Service30, Bielefeld University31, University of Bern32, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland33, Environment Agency34, Smithsonian Institution35, Institut national de la recherche agronomique36, University of Silesia in Katowice37, Landcare Research38, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization39
TL;DR: Using a global database of the first regional records of alien species covering the years 1500–2005, a surprisingly high proportion of species in recent records that have never been recorded as alien before are detected.
Abstract: Our ability to predict the identity of future invasive alien species is largely based upon knowledge of prior invasion history Emerging alien species—those never encountered as aliens before—therefore pose a significant challenge to biosecurity interventions worldwide Understanding their temporal trends, origins, and the drivers of their spread is pivotal to improving prevention and risk assessment tools Here, we use a database of 45,984 first records of 16,019 established alien species to investigate the temporal dynamics of occurrences of emerging alien species worldwide Even after many centuries of invasions the rate of emergence of new alien species is still high: One-quarter of first records during 2000–2005 were of species that had not been previously recorded anywhere as alien, though with large variation across taxa Model results show that the high proportion of emerging alien species cannot be solely explained by increases in well-known drivers such as the amount of imported commodities from historically important source regions Instead, these dynamics reflect the incorporation of new regions into the pool of potential alien species, likely as a consequence of expanding trade networks and environmental change This process compensates for the depletion of the historically important source species pool through successive invasions We estimate that 1–16% of all species on Earth, depending on the taxonomic group, qualify as potential alien species These results suggest that there remains a high proportion of emerging alien species we have yet to encounter, with future impacts that are difficult to predict
Ponta Grossa State University1, Memorial University of Newfoundland2, Oregon State University3, University of Auckland4, Spanish National Research Council5, Hokkaido University6, Ghent University7, Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey8, Universiti Putra Malaysia9, University of Reading10, University of Georgia11, Jiangnan University12, Norwich University13
TL;DR: Better understanding and application of in vitro screening methods should help design of future research studies on 'bioactive compounds'.
TL;DR: The use of thematic analysis in counselling and psychotherapy research has been discussed in this article, where the authors identify the distinct characteristics of their approach and highlight some common areas of confusion and poor practice.
Abstract: © 2018 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy In this brief commentary, we critically reflect on the use of thematic analysis, and particularly the approach to thematic analysis we have outlined, in counselling and psychotherapy research. We identify the distinct characteristics of our thematic analysis approach, and highlight some common areas of confusion and poor practice in published thematic analysis research in counselling and psychotherapy.
TL;DR: The effectiveness and safety of nicotine replacement therapy, including gum, transdermal patch, intranasal spray and inhaled and oral preparations, for achieving long-term smoking cessation, compared to placebo or 'no NRT' interventions was determined.
Abstract: © 2018 The Cochrane Collaboration. Background: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) aims to temporarily replace much of the nicotine from cigarettes to reduce motivation to smoke and nicotine withdrawal symptoms, thus easing the transition from cigarette smoking to complete abstinence. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness and safety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), including gum, transdermal patch, intranasal spray and inhaled and oral preparations, for achieving long-term smoking cessation, compared to placebo or 'no NRT' interventions. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group trials register for papers mentioning 'NRT' or any type of nicotine replacement therapy in the title, abstract or keywords. Date of most recent search is July 2017. Selection criteria: Randomized trials in people motivated to quit which compared NRT to placebo or to no treatment. We excluded trials that did not report cessation rates, and those with follow-up of less than six months, except for those in pregnancy (where less than six months, these were excluded from the main analysis). We recorded adverse events from included and excluded studies that compared NRT with placebo. Studies comparing different types, durations, and doses of NRT, and studies comparing NRT to other pharmacotherapies, are covered in separate reviews. Data collection and analysis: Screening, data extraction and 'Risk of bias' assessment followed standard Cochrane methods. The main outcome measure was abstinence from smoking after at least six months of follow-up. We used the most rigorous definition of abstinence for each trial, and biochemically validated rates if available. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for each study. Where appropriate, we performed meta-analysis using a Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect model. Main results: We identified 136 studies; 133 with 64,640 participants contributed to the primary comparison between any type of NRT and a placebo or non-NRT control group. The majority of studies were conducted in adults and had similar numbers of men and women. People enrolled in the studies typically smoked at least 15 cigarettes a day at the start of the studies. We judged the evidence to be of high quality; we judged most studies to be at high or unclear risk of bias but restricting the analysis to only those studies at low risk of bias did not significantly alter the result. The RR of abstinence for any form of NRT relative to control was 1.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49 to 1.61). The pooled RRs for each type were 1.49 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.60, 56 trials, 22,581 participants) for nicotine gum; 1.64 (95% CI 1.53 to 1.75, 51 trials, 25,754 participants) for nicotine patch; 1.52 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.74, 8 trials, 4439 participants) for oral tablets/lozenges; 1.90 (95% CI 1.36 to 2.67, 4 trials, 976 participants) for nicotine inhalator; and 2.02 (95% CI 1.49 to 2.73, 4 trials, 887 participants) for nicotine nasal spray. The effects were largely independent of the definition of abstinence, the intensity of additional support provided or the setting in which the NRT was offered. A subset of six trials conducted in pregnant women found a statistically significant benefit of NRT on abstinence close to the time of delivery (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.69; 2129 participants); in the four trials that followed up participants post-partum the result was no longer statistically significant (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.86; 1675 participants). Adverse events from using NRT were related to the type of product, and include skin irritation from patches and irritation to the inside of the mouth from gum and tablets. Attempts to quantitatively synthesize the incidence of various adverse effects were hindered by extensive variation in reporting the nature, timing and duration of symptoms. The odds ratio (OR) of chest pains or palpitations for any form of NRT relative to control was 1.88 (95% CI 1.37 to 2.57, 15 included and excluded trials, 11,074 participants). However, chest pains and palpitations were rare in both groups and serious adverse events were extremely rare. Authors' conclusions: There is high-quality evidence that all of the licensed forms of NRT (gum, transdermal patch, nasal spray, inhalator and sublingual tablets/lozenges) can help people who make a quit attempt to increase their chances of successfully stopping smoking. NRTs increase the rate of quitting by 50% to 60%, regardless of setting, and further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of the effect. The relative effectiveness of NRT appears to be largely independent of the intensity of additional support provided to the individual. Provision of more intense levels of support, although beneficial in facilitating the likelihood of quitting, is not essential to the success of NRT. NRT often causes minor irritation of the site through which it is administered, and in rare cases can cause non-ischaemic chest pain and palpitations.
TL;DR: In this article, the selective laser melting (SLM) of an equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) powder was studied, with emphasis on its non-equilibrium microstructural evolution and mechanical properties.
TL;DR: The ubiquitous importance of inversions in ecological and evolutionary processes suggests that structural variation should be better acknowledged and integrated in studies pertaining to the molecular basis of adaptation and speciation.
Abstract: Chromosomal inversions have long fascinated evolutionary biologists due to their suppression of recombination, which can protect co-adapted alleles. Emerging research documents that inversions are commonly linked to spectacular phenotypes and have a pervasive role in eco-evolutionary processes, from mating systems, social organisation, environmental adaptation, and reproductive isolation to speciation. Studies also reveal that inversions are taxonomically widespread, with many being old and large, and that balancing selection is commonly facilitating their maintenance. This challenges the traditional view that the role of balancing selection in maintaining variation is relatively minor. The ubiquitous importance of inversions in ecological and evolutionary processes suggests that structural variation should be better acknowledged and integrated in studies pertaining to the molecular basis of adaptation and speciation.
TL;DR: X-ray absorption fine structure, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that alumina-supported Co Fe-alloy nanoparticles are responsible for the high selectivity of CoFe-650 for C2+ hydrocarbons, also allowing exploitation of photothermal effects.
Abstract: A series of novel CoFe-based catalysts are successfully fabricated by hydrogen reduction of CoFeAl layered-double-hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets at 300-700 °C. The chemical composition and morphology of the reaction products (denoted herein as CoFe-x) are highly dependent on the reduction temperature (x). CO2 hydrogenation experiments are conducted on the CoFe-x catalysts under UV-vis excitation. With increasing LDH-nanosheet reduction temperature, the CoFe-x catalysts show a progressive selectivity shift from CO to CH4 , and eventually to high-value hydrocarbons (C2+ ). CoFe-650 shows remarkable selectivity toward hydrocarbons (60% CH4 , 35% C2+ ). X-ray absorption fine structure, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that alumina-supported CoFe-alloy nanoparticles are responsible for the high selectivity of CoFe-650 for C2+ hydrocarbons, also allowing exploitation of photothermal effects. This study demonstrates a vibrant new catalyst platform for harnessing clean, abundant solar-energy to produce valuable chemicals and fuels from CO2 .
TL;DR: Combination of integrated conversion techniques along with process integration is suggested as a sustainable approach and introducing 'series concept' accompanying intermittent dark/photo fermentation with co-cultivation of microalgae is conceptualised.